Peek at the Past: A look back in Mat-Su's history

As it appeared 30 years ago, in the June 1, 1972 Frontiersman:

Borough set to collect

nine-mill levy

The 1972-73 Mat-Su Borough tax levy will be nine mills, down from the 10 proposed earlier, according to assembly action in passing an amended budget to expend $6.32 million this year.

The revised document cut approximately $39,000 in expenses from the previous one. Small cuts were made under parks and recreation, salary reductions and in the capital improvements area, and one proposed new position was deleted.

The bulk of the one mill reduction came from an increased revenue projection.

City votes on $450,000 revenue bond

Whether the city of Palmer will become landlords for a proposed industrial park will be decided on June 8.

The bond would be used for purchase of land and matching funds to develop the site south of town with sewer and water mains, a road and a railroad spur. The 125 acres would provide space for 14 to 16 industrial sites. The proposal is part of the city's plan to build a solid economic base for the area by attracting light industry.

State Fair head resigning

Curly Sutton recently submitted his resignation from his position as the Alaska State Fair manager. He had served in the position for 10 years.

Mat-Su Republicans report on convention

Mat-Su Borough delegates to the Alaska State Republican Convention, held at Mount McKinley Park on May 12-14, made the journey by car, train and airplane. Delegates included Louis Kellogg, Louis Lively, Elizabeth Wilbur, Bob Vroman, Col. Newbury, Dr. and Mrs. Harold Bartko and alternate Al King.

In the television listings, old-time favorites such as the Dick Van Dyke Show, the Mary Tyler Moore Show, My Three Sons and Gunsmoke were at the height of popularity.

In the classified section, Alcan Realty was advertising three-bedroom homes in Palmer from $28,99 to $29,500 and Willow lakefront lots for $1,875. In Willow, 128 acres cost $66,000.

A used 1972 Chevy 3/4 ton pickup could be bought for $3,500, while the owner of a 1969 VW Beetle, fully loaded, was asking for $1,500.